Alternator warm and buzzing when car is off
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 313
Likes: 127
From: Austin area
The CVF units have a lifetime warranty, so I have to start that process. And their units are 170 amp. Once I replace, I'll see how it goes. I have a rather large stereo in the car as well. If I run into issues with the lights on and the stereo up, I'll go with a Powermaster or Mechman
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
I second the Powermaster recommendation, if the warranty route doesn't work out. Powermaster is a quality product, it's the only brand of aftermarket alternator I will buy.
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 313
Likes: 127
From: Austin area
Unfortunately, I do not know yet. With car show season, I haven't been able to swap it yet. After I drive it, I remove the main battery wire and put it on the battery tender. Should know in a month or so.
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Joined: Aug 2024
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any updates. Having the same issue with my CVF alternator on my blueprint engine
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 313
Likes: 127
From: Austin area
Sorry man. Not yet. I'm waiting to get through show season before I replace the alternator. If I disconnect the battery after driving and put it on the trickle charger, I'm good, so it isn't a big deal. And I have to take out the radiator and fans to change, so it isn't a quick job. I will update this thread as soon as I do it. It'll probably a few months before I repair it.
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TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 313
Likes: 127
From: Austin area
Finally got to changing the alternator. I had to take out the radiator and fans. They were so close to the tensioner I couldn't fit a breaker bar in to loosen it. Radiator's out, swapped the alternator, but noticed something interesting. The serpentine belt it rubbing on the upper body of the tensioner between the A/C and tensioner. Ordered a couple shorter belts so the tensioner will sit further away from the A/C. Just waiting for them to get to my local O'Reiley's. Should have it buttoned back up tonight or tomorrow. I'll let y'all know how it goes.
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 313
Likes: 127
From: Austin area
TL;DR - I'm 95% sure the alternator was the issue
Got it buttoned up a couple weeks ago. Seems to have solved the problem. HOWEVER, it appears I cracked the belt tensioner when I was taking it apart and of course didn't notice until I had it all back together. About 3 minutes into the test drive, I heard pretty bad "clacking" sound. Got it home, left it running and pinpointed the noise to the tensioner. Called CVF and they sent a new one on warranty. Can't say enough good things about that company. Took it apart again today. Sucks because I have to take out the radiator and fans to do so. Replaced the tensioner and all seems to be working. As far as I can tell, a bad alternator from the factory was the issue.
Got it buttoned up a couple weeks ago. Seems to have solved the problem. HOWEVER, it appears I cracked the belt tensioner when I was taking it apart and of course didn't notice until I had it all back together. About 3 minutes into the test drive, I heard pretty bad "clacking" sound. Got it home, left it running and pinpointed the noise to the tensioner. Called CVF and they sent a new one on warranty. Can't say enough good things about that company. Took it apart again today. Sucks because I have to take out the radiator and fans to do so. Replaced the tensioner and all seems to be working. As far as I can tell, a bad alternator from the factory was the issue.